Start-up of a microalgae-based treatment system within the biorefinery concept: from wastewater to bioproducts

• DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.195
• Publication Date: 2018-04-27T11:25:12Z
• Authors: Enrica Uggetti; Joan García; Juan Antonio Álvarez; María Jesús Garcí...
• Keywords: Photobioreactor; Digestate; Biogas; Bioproducts

Abstract Within the European project INCOVER, an experimental microalgae-based treatment system has been built for wastewater reuse and added-value products generation. This article describes this new plant start-up stage, starting from design of three semi-closed horizontal photobioreactors with low energy requirements microalgae cultivation (30 m3 total), using agricultural runoff urban as feedstock. The inflow nutrients concentration is adjusted to select cyanobacteria, able accumulate polyhydroxybutyrates, which can be used bioplastics production. Part harvested biomass substrate anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) secondary sludge obtain biogas. biogas then cleaned in absorption column reach methane up 99%. digestate AcoD further processed wetlands stabilization biofertilizer On other hand, treated water undergoes ultrafiltration disinfection through a solar-driven process, it pumped materials recover nutrients, eventually applied field grow crops by means smart irrigation system. presents sustainable approach management, seen resource recovery process more than waste treatment.